Saxophonist/singer Simon Newton belts out “Happy Birthday to You” to “Uncle Bill”.
Abraham Schobbe and Clementina Sabratti swing to the Rumba.
Birthday pose with Charles Woodley and Clyde van Putten.
ST. EUSTATIUS--The Euson Family threw a big birthday bash for William “Uncle Bill” Euson’s 100th birthday.
Euson was born in 1918 on Statia when cotton was produced in the Old Gin House and when sisal was turned into rope at The Factory. He saw the first cars come to the island.
By all accounts, he was one of the island’s sharpest dressers. Many things may have changed, but Euson's dress sense remains impeccable. A nod to his style was made throughout his party with bow ties on serviettes, birthday cakes and stage decorations at the venue, the Community Centre.
Uncle Bill, also known as “Papa” by friends in St. Eustatius Auxiliary Home where he now lives, was smartly turned out in a navy yacht blazer and insignia marking his 100 years.
Former Miss Statia Miloushka Euson, the centenarian’s great-great-niece and Philomena Bradshaw, backed by the Killy Band, sang an up-tempo version of the hymn “How Great Thou Art.”
The Band, joined by Gerwin Schobbe and Luke Blair, also played their hearts out making it difficult for dancers not to take a swing on the floor.
A serious yet celebratory note was struck by Vincia Celestine, Pastor of Bethel Methodist Church.
“It is a great feat for anyone to reach the blessed age of 100 years,” said the pastor. “It is something we should all celebrate and thank the Lord that we can feel life and live life for such a great length of time. William Euson has every right to feel good about himself as a disciplined soul who is now honoured by his many family and friends.”
“Spicy” is how Milouschka Euson described her Uncle Bill in her toast.
Hilda Berkel, Director of Chapel Piece Health and Recreational Centre said Uncle Bill was a “well known as a lady's man.”
Al Brown gave a humorous account of how Uncle Bill returned to Statia from Curaçao as a pensioner and kind of expected everything to be the same as when he left.
Some 200 guests celebrated and toasted Uncle Bill; among them were Government Commissioner Marcolino “Mike” Franco, Deputy Commissioner Mervyn Stegers, and former island council members Clyde van Putten and Adelka Spanner.
